Crystal ball time. Based on the trends of 2020, here is what I think 2021 holds for software developers.
1. Hybrid Work is the New Normal
Companies will not go back to 100% office presence. Tools for async collaboration will explode. Docs-as-code and written culture will become essential skills.
2. Kubernetes vanishes (mostly)
Developers are tired of writing YAML. 2021 will be the year of abstractions on top of Kubernetes. Platform engineering teams will build internal developer platforms (IDPs). Technologies like Dapr and OAM will gain traction to hide the infrastructure complexity.
3. Server-Side Rendering (SSR) Strikes Back
Static Site Generation (SSG) had its moment (Gatsby, Hugo). But dynamic data needs are pushing us back to the server. Next.js and Nuxt.js will dominate. React Server Components and “Hotwire” (Rails) signal a shift back to server-driven logic.
4. Rust in the Enterprise
Rust has been “most loved” for years. With AWS and Microsoft investing heavily in it, 2021 might be the year it starts creeping into boring enterprise backend services, not just systems programming.
Conclusion
Whatever happens, keep learning. See you in 2021!
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